AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS

SB 2215 authorizes school administrators to issue out-of-school suspensions for students in grades 6 and above if they pose a threat to the safety of others, not just if they are disruptive. For preschool through fifth grade, suspensions require consultation with a mental health professional and can only occur when a student’s behavior presents an immediate physical safety risk. The bill also mandates that suspensions for alcohol, drugs, or weapons violations be handled case-by-case, and requires schools to annually collect and publish data on discipline practices, including race, disability, and age demographics. This data must be reviewed to address any disproportionate impacts on specific student groups.